Category: News

A Christmas tree tale

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and this holiday season, we wanted to spread some extra special joy to the students of Charles Dickens School in Southwark. After the success of our summer Backpack Scheme, we reconnected with the school and found a heartwarming opportunity to make a difference: giving them a Christmas tree to light up their holidays!

How it started: A wish for a tree

During our summer visit to deliver backpacks, we chatted with the Headmaster about ways we could support the school further. Amid their suggestions, one stood out: the school’s Christmas tree was broken, and they were hoping for a second-hand replacement.

But let’s face it, every child deserves a little holiday magic, not a tree on its last legs. So, we thought, why not go all in? Cue a quick brainstorming session, and our team found the perfect solution: a 15-foot Christmas tree complete with twinkling lights.

Delivery and decorating delight

The tree was delivered straight to the school and securely set up in a sheltered passageway where students pass daily. Seeing their reactions was pure joy! Every time the children walked by, they couldn’t resist reaching out to touch the tree, their eyes lighting up as brightly as the ornaments.

But we didn’t stop there. We helped the kids decorate the tree with adorable ornaments they’d crafted themselves. To add an extra sprinkle of magic, one of our own DayMakers Ellie, stepped into the role of “Ellie the Elf,” complete with an elf costume that had the kids convinced Santa sent her straight from the North Pole.

Of course, kids being kids, they peppered Ellie with hilarious questions:

“Why are your boots orange?”

“Why are you wearing trainers?”

“Why do you have pink under your outfit?”

Ellie handled it like a pro, keeping the festive spirit alive and leaving the kids grinning from ear to ear.

Beyond the decorations

This wasn’t just about a tree. It was about creating memories and making a tangible difference. While donating money or gifts is always meaningful, physically being there, seeing the joy, hearing the giggles, and feeling the excitement, added a whole new level of connection.

The staff at the school shared a touching update that some of the supplies from the summer backpack scheme had been set aside and would now serve as Christmas gifts for children who might not otherwise receive any.

Michael Eggleton, Head Teacher at Charles Dickens Primary School and Nursery said: “The Charles Dickens Primary School Christmas tree has been well-loved for many years but, sadly, now looks less than elegant. The children adore having a Christmas tree, whether they celebrate Christmas or simply enjoy being part of the festivities. Many of our children would love to have a tree at home but, unfortunately, are unable to do so.”

“On Verve has been exceptionally generous, donating a magnificent 15ft tree that has taken pride of place in our courtyard for everyone to see. The children regularly stop to admire the tree with wonder and awe. The donated lights also brighten the cold space, bringing festive cheer. We cannot thank On Verve enough for their support and for kindly helping us decorate the tree alongside the children.”

And the festive fun doesn’t end there! Our team will return for the school’s big Christmas fair with even more elves in tow to keep the holiday spirit alive.

A magical ending

Looking at the towering tree, the kids’ sparkling faces, and the way the school embraced the holiday cheer, we couldn’t help but feel proud of what we accomplished together. This was more than a donation, it was a moment of joy, connection, and shared celebration.

We’re already dreaming up ways to make next year even brighter. But for now, we’ll cherish this heartwarming chapter in our journey with Charles Dickens School.

Happy holidays, everyone! Let’s keep spreading the magic, one smile at a time.

 

What’s better than a shiny, new backpack filled with school goodies? One that’s packed with care, kindness, and a sprinkle of magic! Recently some of our incredible DayMakers turned back-to-school stress into back-to-school success with our heartwarming ‘Backpack Scheme’.

A passion to make a difference

It all started with Claire, who spotted a problem, which was nearly 48% of children in Manchester were living in poverty last year, and many teachers were dipping into their own pockets to keep classrooms running. This didn’t sit right with her, so she decided to do something about it.

Her idea? A backpack drive filled with school essentials, designed to help kids feel confident and ready to learn while easing the burden on educators. And because we love a little friendly competition, we turned it into a ‘Backpack Showdown’, complete with a chocolate hamper for the winning team! (Spoiler: the real winners were the kids, but who says no to chocolate?)

Connecting with the community

Researching Manchester’s most poverty-stricken areas, Claire came across Manchester City Council’s education strategy and emailed the Director of Education with her pitch for the ‘Backpack Scheme’. The email made its way to Marie, the Education Business Partner for Schools, who teamed up with Claire to identify schools where these backpacks would make the biggest impact. With their guidance, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work!

Over a few weeks, we rallied our building occupiers to donate stationery, backpacks, and other goodies. The result? Eight fully stocked backpacks (plus extra supplies) were delivered to schools like St. Augustine’s in Miles Platting, St. Wilfrid’s Primary, and St. Chad’s Primary. The cherry on top? The kids themselves got to judge the backpacks! Seeing their excitement as they dug into the supplies was priceless.

St. Wilfrid’s Primary School commented: “Our year 6 girls were extremely grateful for all the supplies and thought it was tremendously generous. They said that the gifts were colourful and fun. People had thought about picking very child-focused things, so not just a boring pencil sharpener but a pig-shaped sharpener!”

St. Chad’s Primary were also very grateful for the donations saying: “We very much appreciate this kind of assistance and want to thank you profusely for your support. It makes a big difference to some children, thank you!”

Extending the initiative

Then our amazing London team caught wind of the Manchester magic and set up their own donation stations, rallied their communities, and packed backpacks with as much care and fun as Manchester did. After two weeks of collecting, the team delivered the supplies to Charles Dickens School in Southwark.

Micheal Eggleton, Head Teacher of the Charles Dickens School in London said: “We’re ever so grateful for the kind donations. The children have absolutely adored them. You’ve made them so happy.’

This experience reminded us that even small acts of kindness can create ripples of positivity. And honestly, we’re just getting started! With such amazing support, we’re already dreaming up ways to make next year’s drive even bigger and better.

Claire said: “I wanted to find a way to help both the children enjoy school more and take the pressure off staff, so I thought I would set up a challenge and ask the occupiers to fill backpacks with back-to-school essentials for donation to local underprivileged Manchester schools. The fact it spread to other sites across the country is unbelievably heartwarming as I never imagined it being elevated to the scale it was. I feel very grateful that I could be part of such a meaningful initiative, and I hope it gets bigger and bigger every year!”

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who donated, spread the word, or helped make this initiative a success. Here’s to making the back-to-school season brighter, one backpack at a time.

We’re thrilled to announce that On Verve has been shortlisted in the prestigious UK Business Awards 2024 for Best Customer Experience!

The Best Customer Experience category celebrates those who make customer satisfaction and service innovation their top priorities. Our entry detailed how we have revolutionised the workplace experience for occupiers at three of LGIM’s Manchester investment properties.

To be in the running for the award is not only a great honour but a testament to the hard work, creativity, and community spirit we bring to each partnership!

Putting people first

At On Verve, our mission has always been about making a difference in the most positive way. Our guest and employee services team, led by our DayMakers, goes beyond the traditional corporate reception style.

We’re dedicated to creating memorable, engaging experiences that make everyone feel like part of the community. Our DayMakers are the heart and soul of On Verve, connecting with tenants and guests, and crafting unforgettable moments that elevate the workplace experience.

How we’re making a difference

After being appointed by Bellrock/LGIM in 2022, our team hit the ground running with a bold new approach. It was a challenging time for workplaces, with the pandemic impacting how tenants and guests felt about in-person spaces. LGIM wanted a front-of-house provider who could deliver consistency and reliability, and more importantly, create a vibrant community among tenants.

Our approach? Simple – create a space where people feel connected and cared for. Our DayMakers organise events, run community-building activities, and always make sure that every guest interaction is meaningful. From wellness workshops to burrito giveaways, we design events that bring people together, lift spirits, and make the workplace more than just an office.

Innovation and fun at every step

One of our proudest achievements has been our ability to bring innovative, people-focused experiences to each property. DayMakers have launched rooftop gardens, hosted yoga sessions, led creative pop-up events, and organised everything from charity fundraisers to step challenges. We’ve even got a rooftop wildlife camera live streaming into the reception!

These innovations make each workplace unique and welcoming, giving tenants plenty of reasons to love where they work.

Our team has truly made an impression on the LGIM tenants and leadership alike. The positive feedback we receive is a constant reminder that our approach resonates with the people who experience it every day.

Occupants have shared how our DayMakers go above and beyond to create a safe, welcoming, and lively atmosphere – exactly what we aim for! Here’s a snippet of the feedback we’ve received:

“Many thanks to Edyta for putting all the lovely autumn & Halloween decorations! The reception looks great! She has also put a lot of effort into organising a cake sale for Macmillan’s, we’ve all enjoyed it!”

“The facilities are always clean, I feel secure in the building, the security team are very friendly and warm, and you have the best reception team! A very special shout-out to Farrah, Olivia and Phoebe, all very smiley and welcoming!”

“Great interactions/events/competitions etc and encouragement for all companies in the building to engage and interact. Olivia Wier is fantastic and has great focus, care and energy and the security team also are great and supportive.”

Onwards and upwards!

We’re excited for the UK Business Awards finals and incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved in such a short time.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on the 5^th of December. Wish us luck and stay tuned to find out if we bring home the trophy!

Seizing the day is an everyday task for a DayMaker (try saying that three times back!). At On Verve, making someone’s day is what we’re all about – whether that be through impeccable service, fun events, or creative re-works of office spaces.

For account manager Milja Takala, a day’s work features a lot of moving parts – changing plans at a moment’s notice is an integral part of her job.

Milja has been making waves at On Verve for over a year now, and she recently sat down with PFM Magazine for its August edition to discuss the ins and outs of her day, and what she finds fulfilling about working for On Verve. We’ve recapped her PFM contribution here.

How do you start your day?

My alarm goes off at 6am, and my first task is to check to see if anyone is absent for the day. I also take a moment to draft any urgent communications with clients.

If I’m lucky, I take a 30-minute nap before I get ready, but either way, I am always contactable from 6am. I also need to be flexible about when I leave home – am I on my way to meet colleagues in Central London, Watford, Cambridge, or somewhere else?

I do sometimes work from home, but I’m thankful that my team creates a calming yet bubbly energy, so it doesn’t require much motivation to come in early!

How do you organise your work throughout the week?

The honest answer is “I don’t” – I keep my plans deliberately vague because I often don’t know what’s going to come into my inbox. I also plan team huddles around client meetings. That way, I can ensure I’m not wasting time with unnecessary travelling,

I may not see each of my team of DayMakers face to face, but I always reach out in other ways, such as by phone call, text, or email, to make sure they’re all right.

I rely on my calendar’s automatic reminders so I can stay locked in on where I need to go next. I also send myself Teams messages throughout the day with actions to complete, and an email at the end of each day with any unfinished work.

What does a typical day look like at On Verve?

There isn’t a ‘normal’ day for me, which is what I love about my job – the variety and change of the day-to-day keeps me on my toes. Other than the routine of checking my phone at 6am, I could be doing anything next – from meeting clients at our ASOS base to having a probation meeting with my team in City Hall.

My team and I need to be adaptable to whatever the client needs. For example, City Hall requires a very sophisticated corporate approach, you never know if you’re going to run into the Mayor!

I work closely with my manager, who is also our head of operations, and I learn from her as we navigate challenges together. It’s a priority of mine to see each of the twenty team members every week, which isn’t always the easiest to do as I’m constantly on my feet due to all my meetings.

How do you enjoy your break in the day?

I’m a sucker for a supermarket meal deal, whether that includes a sandwich or a wrap. No matter what, I always try to take the time to sit and enjoy my lunch in one of the many parks London has to relax.

I often try to grab lunch with my team and eat with them in the park if the weather permits. You will never catch me eating my lunch on the tube though!

What is your wind-down routine at the end of the day?

I’ve usually finished all of my meetings by 5pm but my day doesn’t stop there. I often jump back on at 6pm to send off any last-minute emails – that can sometimes go as late as 8pm.

By that time though, it’s useful for me to work from home so I can have no interruptions and can start my evening wind-down. By 7pm, I’ve usually started cooking dinner – that’s my true reminder that the day is over.

My guilty pleasure is watching Love Island. On Fridays I decide to have a treat, usually in the form of a takeaway to round off the week!

How do you manage stress?

For me, music is really important. If I’m having a stressful day, I might play my favourite genres to relax – Hip Hop, RnB and Afrobeats.

I have a supportive manager at work, so I know that I always have someone to reach out to. My boyfriend is also very level-headed, so I always feel supported at home too.

I’m lucky that at On Verve, I can always be myself, which reduces stress at the workplace. We have a great culture that lets everyone know that no matter where you are in the UK, you are still part of the team.

Want to know more about the work we do at On Verve? Read about our DayMakers efforts to create green spaces in city environments, a round-up of our growth on our third birthday, and find out more about our guest services.

 

Last month we celebrated Pride ­– a time for everyone to come together to learn about, appreciate and celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) community.

There were marches throughout the country and more are planned ­– including the Manchester Pride march in August – but the celebrations weren’t just in the streets.

Our DayMakers helped put together a range of Pride celebrations for workplaces up and down the country, which were informative, fun, and helped raise money for LGBTQ+ causes.

Sweet treats for a great cause

In London, account manager Milja Takala and her team of DayMakers arranged events to make everyone’s workday just that bit brighter.

In two separate offices, our DayMakers helped run a bake sale and baking competition. At the Munich Re office in the city centre, colleagues banded together to bake a range of sweet treats and sold them to raise money for Stonewall, the largest LGBTQ+ rights advocate in Europe. The event was Pride-themed, with colourful cakes flying off the table. In just two hours, the group raised £250 for the charity, a great achievement for a brilliant cause!

At our parent company Churchill Group’s head office in Luton, things got competitive – the team hosted a bake-off, with contestants making fun creations that were judged by their colleagues. The winner, Kareen Smit won an apron for her efforts and the competition raised over £200 for Stonewall, making the day a great (and tasty!) success.

Kareen reflected: “It was a fun experience did not expect to win against all of the delicious goodies made and it was for a good cause. All in all, a win-win in my book.”

Milja’s team also worked with Amazon Fresh in the week leading up to London Pride to put on an all-day event that flew the LGBTQ+ flags. The team decked out the office building’s foyer and hosted games, held giveaways, and handed out Pride merchandise for people to wear proudly. Games included guessing the price of different Amazon Fresh produce and winning them if correct, bringing some joy to the office ahead of London Pride.

Creative outlets and informative talks

Elsewhere in London, DayMaker Ellie Atkinson and her team worked with their client to host an incredible range of events. The client’s Pride committee originally reached out to the DayMaker team for support with logistics, but quickly included the DayMakers in event planning itself.

The team coordinated to host two Sip ‘n’ Paint sessions, where people received a canvas, paints and a drink, in return for a donation to the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which aims to end the AIDS epidemic.

The first session was during the day and was a roaring success – it was fully booked! Colleagues sipped on mocktails and let their creative sides free, painting anything that came to them.

A second session was hosted in the evening which featured a range of cocktails. During that session, DayMaker Harriet Yap joined in on the fun and sang for the painters, accompanied by a live piano. The head of the Pride committee spotted Harriet’s wonderful voice and invited her to come and sing at another event, where Elton John AIDS Foundation CEO Anne Aslett spoke to some of the colleagues in the building.

Anne discussed the history of HIV and AIDS, and how despite it no longer being an epidemic in the UK, the illness still disproportionately affects people across areas in the African, Asian and Eastern European diaspora. Money raised by the Sip ‘n’ Paint sessions helped fund the foundation’s educational and support programmes that break down HIV and AIDS stigma and teach people safe practices. Together, the events raised £45 for the foundation and their message was shared to a new audience.

 The DayMakers are such an incredible group of people and on behalf of our Pride Network I’m extremely grateful for their support throughout Pride Month as well as outside of that. Without request from the network, they planned some awesome activities to celebrate Pride month – including hosting Sip n Paints in our  office. We also partnered on a subsequent external event we hosted with the Elton John AIDS Foundation – during which one of the DayMakers, Hattie, provided entertainment for the evening – singing songs and playing the keyboard (a part of the event which has stayed with so many since the event!).

Thank you DayMakers and a special shout-out to Ellie & Bianca for everything you do!

Andy Bassett – interim head of operational resilience & Pride Network Co-Chair. 

Plans for the future

Though Pride month is over, the celebrations aren’t stopping there. Manchester Pride is coming up in August, and Fara Painter and her team are planning some amazing ways to get people to have fun and stay informed on issues facing the LGBTQ+ community.

They’ve planned a “beer pong” questionnaire to get people having fun and learning about LGBTQ+ causes at the same time. A floor in the office building will (of course) be decked out in rainbow decorations, and coworkers will compete by answering LGBTQ+ questions to learn about the community and compete for the prizes of beer they can take home (they will drink water during the competition!).

Elsewhere in Manchester, the DayMaker team plans on a fun-filled photo booth – featuring a rainbow balloon arch and printable snaps for colleagues to come together and say, “Happy Manchester Pride!”.

We can’t wait to see these plans come to life next month and see what our DayMakers have planned throughout the rest of the year. While Pride Month is a designated time to support the LGBTQ+ community, we want to ensure that everyone feels welcome and included every day of the year.

That’s all part of enhancing the employee experience and making someone’s day!

If you’re interested in planning workplace events or want to know more about how we can make your employees’ day, learn about our guest services.

 

Last month we gathered to celebrate On Verve’s third birthday and the amazing achievements of our incredible team. Now that we’ve reached this incredible milestone, we wanted to celebrate the Power of 3! Three years of delivering outstanding service, three years of making people’s day, and three years of trailblazing the industry and growing our business to new heights.

We gathered at Mr Fogg’s House of Botanicals in London to host our DreamMaker Awards and 3^rd birthday celebrations.

As part of the celebration, we held a fundraiser for Cancer Research, a cause chosen by our incredible DayMakers. Attendees were able to support the charity by purchasing from an exclusive line of on Verve merchandise, including T-shirts, bags and other swag. We’re delighted to announce that we raised an amazing £800 to help fund cancer research that prevents, controls and cures over 200 cancers. We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported us during and after the event for your generosity and for making a difference.

Bianca Angelico, our Chief DayMaker said: “Just like last year, our birthday celebration has been magical. It is an amazing opportunity to celebrate everybody at On Verve, from our incredible DayMakers, to our clients, to everyone else that attended. This year, our team has pushed themselves to go further than ever before, growing our business while retaining our impeccable standards of service. It was a buzzing atmosphere, and so rewarding to see our team celebrated.”

The DreamMaker awards

Every year, we hold the DreamMaker Awards to celebrate our amazing DayMakers, clients and partners who have offered their unwavering support over these past three years. All finalists represent the best of the best, and the eleven winners were selected because they represent On Verve’s ethos – to make someone’s day.

Winners

• Award: Calmer of the Storm Award – Lauren Bibby – ops support, Scottish Power + Scotland Team Leader
• Award: Celebration Award – Valentin Cojocaru – ASOS
• Award: Coach Award – Milja Takala – account manager, multiple contracts
• Award: DayMaker Leader – Fara Painter – ops support, Manchester team leader
• Award: DayMaker of the Year – Ellie Atkinson ­– M&G
• Award: Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award – Selesha Palmer – Capability Green
• Award: Full of Enthusiasm – Dori Houston – M&G
• Award: Mission Impossible – Renaud Dudé – Boston Consulting Group
• Award: Talented Newbie – Isabelle Keen – community coordinator
• Award: Team of the Year – DayMaker North Team – Fahima Nipa, Edyta Wichrowska, Lauren Suddards, Olivia Weir, Hollie Hawkins, Morgan McCea-Dean, Fara Painter and Lauren Bibby, JLL, LGIM, and ARM.
• Award: Chief DayMaker Award – Laura Waller-Brown

Winners’ reflections

Some of our winners and finalists reflected on their wins:

“The DreamMaker Awards event was an unforgettable experience, filled with joy and inspiration.
Being part of it and representing the ASOS team truly highlighted the incredible support and teamwork we have at On Verve. Winning the Celebration Award was a profound honour, filling me with immense pride and gratitude.” – Valentin Cojocaru, DayMaker and Celebration Award winner.

“The DreamMaker awards reminded me why I love On Verve and why I continue to learn and grow with them. The whole night was about genuine appreciation for the team, and you could see this through the glow on everyone’s face. It was an honour to receive DayMaker of the year and it pushes me to do better and excel in what I do. Thank you, Gabbie and Bianca, for your amazing support, you make the company feel like home.” – Ellie Atkinson, DayMaker of the Year.

“What a night it has been! Attending the company’s 3-year anniversary ceremony was an absolute blast. I am blessed to be part of such a dynamic team and to witness all the incredible achievements. On a personal level, receiving the Mission Impossible award was a surreal moment. I feel it’s a testament to hard work and the power of teamwork in overcoming past challenges and turning the negative into positive. We’ve been able to earn the trust and client satisfaction and a well-deserved contract extension. On to the new year to contribute even more to our team’s success and celebrate even bigger milestones; here’s to tougher challenges and pushing the limits. – Renaud Dudé, workplace experience manager and Mission Impossible Award winner.

“As a newbie it was great to meet and celebrate with the team, what an amazing atmosphere – the DayMakers certainly know how to bring the energy. It was such an honour to be nominated, being a finalist and winning the Team of The Year Award was the cherry on top of an incredible evening!” – Hollie Hawkins, DayMaker and part of the Team of the Year award winners.

“I’m thankful to be a part of this company and greatly respect all of you who nominated me for this fantastic award. Being a finalist was an amazing experience, but I will win the trophy next time. Please continue to support me, and I promise to never let you down.” – Fahima Nipa, DayMaker host, Full of Enthusiasm Award finalist and winner for Team of the Year.

It was a magical evening for everyone – check out highlights from the night below.

We’re growing every year and can’t wait to see where our fourth year in business takes us. Do you want to be part of our journey? Find out about our guest services and check out our vacancies.

It can be hard to come across green spaces in large towns and cities. Commutes might involve public transport and pavement walks where greenery is decidedly lacking – but these spaces are important to our physical and mental health.

Urban green spaces provide biodiversity for cities and help mitigate the effects of air pollution. They also provide social hubs and help employees feel like they are part of a larger community.

Gardens and greenery can be hard to visit on a regular workday, so On Verve has been working at customer sites throughout the UK to bring some greenery to their employees.

Helping local wildflowers bloom

On one site in Manchester, there was a rooftop space lying dormant. It wasn’t accessible for building users, but we came up with a way to use the roof to its full potential. Our team constructed a wildflower garden, promoting biodiversity and creating a home for the honorary Manchester Bee.

We wanted to be as effective as possible, so our DayMakers spoke with the local council and wildlife experts on how to attract bees and local bird species to the garden. We then made planters from old moving pallets from the building’s basement. Once we’d planted all the seeds, we used a flower tracker and displayed weekly progress pictures in the reception of the building, so everyone could feel involved.

We are now planning to build a second planter to be stationed in the reception. Everyone will have the chance to paint and decorate it, helping our community come together. We’re also looking to upgrade our tracker to a wildlife camera with a birdbox later this year, so the garden and its local wildlife can be watched live in the reception area.

We always want to push the boundaries of what we can do with limited space and how we can creatively bring nature into the workplace.

Getting clients directly involved

In other spaces, office occupants have been able to put their own green fingers to use. For a customer in Scotland, our DayMakers looked for ways to enhance an empty space and created a herb garden in the outdoor area at the office.

Occupants were encouraged to come to the garden and plant herb seeds themselves, as a personal project. When the first roots started to sprout, it felt like new life was injected into the office. The herb collection was welcomed by employees, and we encouraged them to take herbs home for cooking. They were also used by on-site catering teams for breakfast and lunch.

Bringing in greens in a greener way

When communal gardens or larger spaces aren’t possible, we still find ways to add some greenery. Flowers bring colour and beauty into workspaces but maintaining constant, fresh cut flowers isn’t as sustainable as we’d like, and leads to a lot of waste.

Our flower partner regularly came to sites to deliver new flowers, care for current arrangements, and remove the old ones. These trips produced more emissions than preferable, so we decided to rethink our approach to flower decorations.

In our Manchester office, we partnered with Citiblooms to have flowers planted in soil and cared for on a permanent basis. The Citiblooms team tend to plants throughout the week, and as a local supplier, they come to the office on foot. This has massively reduced our waste and travel emissions.

We are trialling silk flowers at other sites. A reusable and beautiful alternative to fresh flowers, these can also be changed on rotation. This has cut down on waste and has reduced our spending by 50 per cent, all while maintaining the beauty and vibrancy in the office.

Bringing greenery into office spaces promotes mindfulness and wellbeing, and it should be a key element for businesses to consider. Wildflowers and herbs aren’t usually considered when people develop office spaces, but they stand to significantly improve the working environment – for your people and the planet.

Learn more about our guest services and how we can improve your workplace.

From the 18^th to the 24^th of March, Neurodiversity Celebration Week is celebrated worldwide. The initiative helps challenge misconceptions regarding neurodiverse conditions including ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

At On Verve, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that embraces individuals who do not think neurotypically, and make a space where employees feel comfortable discussing their individual needs at work.

We spoke with three of our neurodivergent employees – director Bianca Angelico, lead DayMaker Ellie Atkinson and operational support Fara Painter. Bianca and Fara are dyslexic, and Ellie has ADHD.

What does neurodiversity mean to you, and how has it impacted your life?

Fara: I found out I was dyslexic at sixth form, but I only became familiar with the term “neurodiversity” when I began working at On Verve. When I first heard that term, it felt special to be part of a community.

I was tested for dyslexia at sixth form college because I was failing in some classes. Even once I was diagnosed, a teacher had to advocate for me to have extra support. If that teacher hadn’t stood up for me, I don’t know whether I would have passed and gone to university.

Ellie: I think of my ADHD in comparison to someone with a “normal brain” who can see issues in a straight line. For me, thinking is like a zigzag. Getting to your end goal can be more difficult, and it’s affected my confidence and made me doubt myself in the past.

My thoughts have always been this way, and I’ve found in my adult life that masking – making efforts to act as “neurotypical” as possible in social situations – can be exhausting.

Bianca: For me, my dyslexia is my superpower. I truly think that without it, I wouldn’t be where I am at On Verve. It makes me a creative problem solver, who doesn’t see things from a traditionally “logical” neurotypical perspective. At work leadership meetings, my different way of thinking means I can bring a totally different perspective.

How have you been supported in the workplace?

Fara: Leaders like Bianca shape tasks and additional help for every individual. Bianca knows I like clear instructions and a time frame for completion, or otherwise I struggle to prioritise and complete a task.

I’ve also been recommended apps and tools for my emails and scheduling that really help me stay on top of my work. Bianca has not shied away from talking about neurodiversity, which makes it easier to approach her for help and detail my struggles.

In my past workplaces, I never felt like people were interested in neurodiversity. At On Verve, it feels as though it’s part of me, and therefore it’s part of the company. If you need an adaptation, On Verve will accommodate those needs.

Ellie: I love working with Bianca because we can joke about things like how I focus on topics, which takes away the taboo surrounding ADHD and stops me from feeling bad about it. It’s a totally different situation than how I grew up. School reports always said, “Ellie distracts others,” but it never feels that way at On Verve.

I appreciate how direct Bianca is with me, she cuts through the “fluff” in conversations and gets to the point. It prevents me from getting lost in the moment and lets me focus on exactly what I need to do.

Bianca: Being direct and giving guidance is part of my leadership approach because I know what it’s like to get lost in additional details that can leave you contemplating the unimportant elements of a task.

I will always discuss my own dyslexia because if I hadn’t been so vocal about it, I don’t think co-workers like Ellie or Fara would have felt as comfortable coming forward to talk about their conditions.

Fara: If Bianca hadn’t spoken up, saying that I’m dyslexic at work would feel like I’m telling my employer that I’m incapable of working and can’t progress within the company. Bianca’s openness meant that I could communicate my struggles, show how hard-working I am, and openly talk about my dyslexia.

Ellie: When I found out Bianca was dyslexic, I was relieved. It felt like we had similar brains. Bianca helped destigmatise my ADHD. Rather than feel embarrassed, I felt supported, and my ADHD started to feel like a superpower.

What are the biggest challenges you face?

Fara: Expressing my thoughts can sometimes be a struggle, particularly in emails, public speaking, and giving presentations. I’ll re-write an email multiple times because I’m worried the recipient could notice my dyslexia. Thankfully, Bianca helps me by proofreading what I write, which helps to build my confidence in my work.

Ellie: My ADHD helps me thrive in a routine and if I like a task, I’m committed to it until it’s complete. If I fall out of that routine, it can feel like my whole week’s schedule is ruined.

I also find big bodies of text intimidating because I won’t know where to start. It feels like all the text blends into one. Bianca really helps with that by taking the time to break down information with me, reducing my anxiety and helping me get on with my day.

What positive effects has your neurodiversity had on your work?

Ellie: I really struggled at school because everything felt the same every day, but I thrive in the problem-solving environment of guest services. It brings constant new challenges to make every day different.

I want people to come to me with their complaints, so I can turn their annoyance into happiness as quickly as possible. I find it really fulfilling to help them.

Fara: My dyslexia means that I’m detail orientated and incredibly thorough. For the first time at work, I feel confident in my abilities and that lets me bring joy to my work.

Bianca: I think all three of us agree that we thrive in chaos – so the need to react to issues for a range of people means that we can creatively problem solve and bring our unique perspectives to the workplace every day.

What misconceptions do people have about neurodiverse conditions?

Ellie: When I tell people I have ADHD, they are often surprised and say “But you’re not really hyper.” People think that I have a “hyper brain” that should lead to hyper behaviour. My ADHD makes me emotionally deregulated, creating an emotional, rather than physical, hyper-ness.

Fara: People think that my dyslexia means I can’t do a job like this. Some dyslexic people feel the same way because these misconceptions can make them underestimate themselves in the same way society does.

Bianca: Those very misconceptions of dyslexia led me to mask mine for many years – people didn’t see my spelling mistakes, for example, because I had a support system at home that could help me.

I stopped masking seven years ago and now can thrive because I’m open about my dyslexia.

What advice do you have for neurodiverse people less open about their superpowers?

Bianca: Speak out. If you choose to tell your employer about your disability, they should be kind, empathetic and understanding. If they’re anything but that, you need to question if that is the workplace for you.

Embrace who you are and recognise that there’s nothing wrong with you. You bring a different perspective and set of abilities into the workplace, and you deserve to receive support and recognition for the valuable work you do.

Find out more about how our work in front-of-house services can support neurodiverse people.

Chief DayMaker Bianca Angelico recently attended the Workplace Design Show, a new addition to the UK events calendar that explores the latest trends and innovations in workplace design.

There were numerous eye-catching installations as well as a full programme of thought leadership with panellists from leading businesses including Sage, Trainline, Lloyds, Avison Young, Landsec, CBRE, JLL, tp Bennet and Jason Bruges studio.

It was an insightful event with plenty to for us consider. Bianca has recapped the themes that stood out to her from the day.

1. Employee experience: prioritising wellbeing and productivity

There was a strong emphasis on prioritising employee experience to transform workplaces into desired destinations. Rituals such as disconnecting from technology before meetings were highlighted as ways to enhance productivity. Mindfulness, wellbeing, and the importance of clear meeting protocols were all highlighted as methods of contributing to the overarching goal of ensuring that employees leave the workplace healthier than when they arrived.

This was all hugely relevant for On Verve as we’re here to make someone’s day!

2. Making the workplace a destination: authentic experiences and human-centric design

There has been a 47% increase in hiring heads of workplace experience which reflects the growing recognition of the significance of workplace environments. Employees want authentic experiences, and these must be aligned with a company’s DNA, sustainability goals, and diversity initiatives. Topics such as microlearning, digital integration, and human-centric design were also discussed, areas which On Verve has been pioneering for the past three years.

3. Creating the best solution for clients: data-driven approaches and adaptability

Data is a huge topic in FM, and workplace design is no different. Data-driven approaches that utilise metrics like Net Promoter Score (NPS) and pulse surveys for real-time feedback were both mentioned as sources to consider. Speakers also stressed the need to understand team dynamics and adapt solutions to evolving needs. The need to create new positive memories linked to the workplace, rather than attempting to replicate the comforts of home, was also a suggestion that resonated with the audience. The workplace will never be the same as the home, but that doesn’t mean it can’t provide a meaningful and happy experience.

4. Culture and people: fostering collaboration and innovation

Shifting from “me” to “we” is a mindset change that can help foster collaboration and innovation, as is the creation of spaces that accommodate both primary tasks and innovation. Above all, we have to remember that the workplace landscape is constantly evolving, so our solutions must adapt as well.

Darren Graver from Trainline stood out as my favourite speaker of the day due to his balanced approach that combined data-driven insights with innovative ideas.

Learning from industry best practice

We attend events and conferences throughout the year to ensure that we are staying up to date with the latest trends and can continue to deliver innovative, creative ideas for our clients – and amazing experiences for their employees.

Do you need to elevate your workplace experience? Contact us at makers@on-verve.com to discuss how we can support you.

In the fast-paced world of guest services where moments of success can be missed, companies that prioritise employee recognition regularly stand out. Through a series of innovative initiatives, On Verve ensures that the hard work and dedication of its employees are not only acknowledged but celebrated in different ways.

DayMaker of the Month

On Verve’s “DayMaker of the Month” initiative allows any team member to nominate DayMakers who have made a positive impact or contributed significantly to On Verve’s success, whether they have simply been a great team member, or if they facilitated a big project with glowing feedback from the client.

All nominees are reviewed with our management team in the last week of the month, showcasing and celebrating all team praise and recognition on this platform. A collective vote then decides that month’s winner. Bianca or I will then personally visit the site to award the chosen individual with a certificate and a shopping gift voucher, making the recognition a special and memorable experience.

Seasonal appreciation

On Verve doesn’t limit its employee appreciation efforts to monthly celebrations. We send out handwritten Christmas cards with small gifts during the festive season as a token of our appreciation to our DayMakers who work extremely hard across the year, especially in the lead-up to the festive period.

On the first working day of January, we send a company-wide email to express our gratitude to each team member, outlining their crucial role in the company’s success. This thoughtful approach at the start of the year sets a positive tone for the months ahead and reminds our team that all of them play a crucial role at On Verve.

DreamMaker awards and industry recognition

We take the concept of employee appreciation to a bigger and better level with our yearly DreamMaker Awards, an in-person ceremony acknowledging outstanding contributions and achievements in the business. Managers are encouraged to put forward their team members for the awards and recognise their outstanding progress at work and in their personal development. We are looking forward to this year’s awards, marking our third birthday in May.

We also actively participate in industry awards to celebrate our team, such as the coveted Corporate Receptionist of the Year (CROTY). Last year, On Verve’s Fara Painter was a Highly Commended Finalist at the CROTY awards which cemented her brilliant work and development at the business, and we are extremely proud of her.

Sharing client praise

We understand that success is often a result of collective efforts in the team. When we receive positive feedback from our clients about a particular person or team, we can’t help but share these fantastic testimonials with the rest of the On Verve team! This not only boosts morale but also reinforces the impact of each team member’s role in the company’s success. This also supports the wider team getting to know all DayMakers whom they may not have met due to geographical reasons and continues our approach of celebrating the wins and the impact of making someone’s day.

People-centric approach

On Verve focuses on its team members’ personal and professional growth within the business and beyond. We recognise the potential of our DayMaker team and emphasise the possibilities for them in the industry. By highlighting praise instead of only addressing issues, we can create a positive and authentic culture where every team member feels valued.

We actively encourage our team members to have a voice and take control of their careers. Our commitment to mentorship and personalised development demonstrates our dedication to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.

On Verve’s approach to celebrating its team members goes beyond the ordinary, showcasing a commitment to building a positive and authentic workplace culture that we are proud of.